Jeff Hiller and More to Star in MR. LEATHER, 1976 Benefit Reading at The Eagle NYC

The Season, in association with Tony Lance, Mr. Eagle NYC 2026, will present a benefit reading of Mr. Leather, 1976, a new play by Zackary Grady and directed by Ryan Dobrin, on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 PM at The Eagle NYC. Doors will open at 6:30 PM.

Proceeds from the one-night-only event will support Team Eagle NYC and its fundraising efforts for The LGBT Community Center of New York City through Cycle for the Cause. 

After his long-term boyfriend suddenly breaks up with him, Glenn dives into the world of 1970s gay nightlife in NYC, hoping to erase the memory of his ex. However, when a new group of friends invites him to compete in a Men’s Leather Contest, Glenn is forced to confront the truth of his relationship head-on. 

The cast will feature Emmy Award-winner Jeff Hiller ("Somebody Somewhere,” "Pluribus") as Rick, Robin Lord Taylor ("Gotham," Kowalski) as Al, Drama Desk Award nominee Dan Butler ("Frasier") as Joel, David Mattar Merten (An Enemy of the People, Richard II) as Glenn, Carol Mazhuvancheril (A Nice Indian Boy, The Inheritance) as Sam, Matthew Risch ("Modern Family," Legally Blonde the Musical) as Max, Drama Desk Award winner Alex Gibson (Octet, The Great Comet) as Nils, Fernando Contreras (Parrots at the Pagoda, Ghost) as Eddie, Patrick Clanton (Moulin Rouge!, Oklahoma!) as Daddy Bob, and Drama League Award nominee Marcia DeBonis (Small Mouth Sounds, The Voices in Your Head) as Linda. 

Team Eagle is a community of riders, crew, and supporters working together toward a future without AIDS and HIV stigma. Since 2007, backed by The Eagle NYC, the team has ridden thousands of miles and raised more than $2.5 million for The LGBT Community Center of New York City through Cycle for the Cause — fueling life-saving programs and building community with pride.

The funds raised sustain The Center’s frontline services — including free HIV and STI testing, access to PrEP and PEP, mental-health counseling, and substance-use recovery programs. They help young people find safety and belonging, empower transgender and non-binary New Yorkers to access affirming care, and ensure that anyone living with HIV has access to medication, support, and dignity.

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Best Scenic Design - Top 3

1. Dane Laffrey - The Lost Boys

32.1% of votes

2. Scott Pask - Schmigadoon!

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3. Soutra Gilmour - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

9.9% of votes

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